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Phone: 814-227-2420
www.apscuf.org
March 2018
Executive Committee: President – Ray Feroz; Vice President – Joyce Overly; Secretary – Christopher McCarrick; Treasurer – Linda Lillard; Delegates –Ray Feroz,
Barry Sweet; Jonathan Touster, Annette Rosati, Lorie Taylor; Alternate Delegates – Ellen Foster, Jennifer May, Cristin Ketley, Karl Sprenger, Jacqueline Knaust;
Coaches President - Sean Esterhuizen; Coaches Vice President – Al Modrzejewski; Coaches’ Grievance Chair – Eric Laughlin; Venango Campus – Renee Bloom; CAP –
Joseph Croskey; DRC – Amy Love-Conner/Mary Buchanan; Grievance – Mary Buchanan/Mark Kilwein; Health & Welfare – Marilyn Howe; Legislative – Jonathan
Touster; Membership – Paul Klenowski; Negotiations – Ray Feroz; Nominations & Elections – YooJin Ha; Social Justice – Amy Conner-Love; Public Affairs/Relations
– Christopher McCarrick; Student Liaison – Naomi Bell O’Neil; Rules & Bylaws – Carey Childers; Mobilization Co-Chairs – Lorie Taylor & Jacqueline Knaust; State
Temporary Faculty Committee – Michael Hissam; State APSCUF Executive Council – Joyce Overly
The President’s Message…
Dear Colleagues,
Where does the time go? Next week is winter break. The semester is flowing toward
the waterfall.
I hope you have had the time to hear the presidential candidates in the last couple of weeks. All three have different
strengths and weaknesses. Please send in your feedback, which will be carefully reviewed by the search committee.
The decision of who to hire as a permanent president is substantial and critical. We will not just settle for someone.
All input is important and welcome. Clarion University’s future is at stake.
March is busy for APSCUF. Sara Miller from APSCUF Labor Relations is at the APSCUF office on Friday March 9 from
11:30 am -1:30 pm and anyone can meet with her – just drop by the APSCUF office in the Rhea Building during that
time. APSCUF President Ken Mash will join us for a membership meeting in Gemmell on March 27 at 3:30 pm and
provide “state of the union” remarks. We will also begin that meeting with “Meet the Candidates” for the upcoming
election. Thanks to all who have agreed to run for the various offices and committees, they are important and
operationalize shared governance.
Together we are strong. Thanks for making a positive difference to our colleagues and students!
In solidarity,
Ray
WORKING PEOPLE’S DAY OF ACTION @ CU
Monday, February 19, 2018
Members of Clarion’s APSCUF, APSCURF and
AFSCME reached out to students with
information about Janus vs AFSCME. This case
challenges the right of public-sector unions to
collect fair-share fees, and it alleges a violation
of the First Amendment. This is a threat to
unions nationwide and to the middle class.
APSCUF Members Jackie Knaust
and Andy Lingwall
March 2018
Thank you to those who volunteered!
www.apscuf.org/universities/clarion
AFSCME Rep Cindy King, APSCUF Members
Jamie Phillips and Natasha Dias
1
SPRING 2018 MEETINGS
(Please mark your calendars!)
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (EC)
(Rhea Conf. Room @ 3:30 pm)
Tuesday, March 20
Tuesday, April 3
Tuesday, April 17 (Spring Elections)
Tuesday, May 1
SPRING 2018 MEET & DISCUSS
Friday, March 9 – Pre-Meet & Discuss
Friday, March 23 – Meet & Discuss
Friday, April 6 – Pre-Meet & Discuss
Friday, April 20 – Meet & Discuss
DEPARTMENTAL REP COUNCIL (DRC)
(Rhea Conf. Room @ 3:30 PM)
Tuesday, April 10
NOTE: The Clarion APSCUF Office will be closed from
March 12-16 and will reopen on March 19 @ 8 am.
GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING/
SPRING ELECTION’S “MEET THE CANDIDATES FORUM”
Tuesday, March 27 – 250/252 Gemmell
LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY (LA)
April 12-14, 2018 (Toftrees, State College)
20/26 ANNUAL PAY OPTION WINDOW
Nine-month pay faculty who are interested in changing their pay options from 20 to 26 pays or vice
versa may do so during a window period from April 1, 2018 to April 30, 2019. The change will be
effective for the first paycheck of the Fall 2018 semester which is September 14, 2018. (See insert letter
from State APSCUF President Ken Mash.)
If you so choose to change your option, please complete the 20/26 Pay Option form and return it to our
Human Resources office in Carrier. Please note that this is the only opportunity to make this change
during this academic year. The 20/26 Annual Pay Option form is inserted in this newsletter or is
available in our Human Resources office.
THE CAP REBATE CAMPAIGN REMINDER: Want to help promote and protect quality public
higher education in Pennsylvania? One way to promote and protect all that APSCUF provides is by simply
completing your CAP (Committee for Action through Politics) Rebate card today. (Cards were sent out to
non-CAP members the second week in February.) When you contribute to APSCUF/CAP, you become involved
in the political process. Your CAP contributions support candidates for state office who will advocate for APSCUF's
goals and priorities.
APSCUF/CAP members have the opportunity to:
Attend fundraising events
Build relationships with policymakers
Make important endorsement decisions
Assist candidates who support APSCUF goals
Now more important ever, please designate your dues rebate to CAP and
become a CAP member today!
CAP Chair Joseph Croskey
PLEASE NOTE: CAP Cards must be returned to the LOCAL APSCUF OFFICE BY APRIL 1ST. Please DO NOT
SEND to the State APSCUF office. IF YOU DO NOT WANT TO MAKE A CHANGE, IT IS NOT NECESSARY TO
RETURN YOUR CARD.
CLARION CAP MEMBERS: If you have already donated your past rebates to CAP, “thank you”. You need not
sign another card. There is yet another way for you to support the important political work of APSCUF’s Committee
for Action through Politics by voluntarily contributing to CAP thru payroll deduction. If you wish to direct a voluntary
contribution to CAP thru payroll deduction or increase your current contribution, please complete a Voluntary Payroll
Deduction Authorization card today.
Any questions on CAP, please feel free to contact me at ext. 1980 or at jcroskey@clarion.edu.
March 2018
www.apscuf.org/universities/clarion
2
REMINDERS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
GENERAL APSCUF & BARGAINING UNIT MEETING & “Meet the Candidate Forum” is scheduled for Tuesday,
March 27th @ 3:30 pm in 250/252 Gemmell Student Center. Included in this meeting will be “Meet the
Candidates” forum for the 2018 Spring General Elections. Please “pencil in” this meeting on your meeting
calendar.
ATTENTION APSCUF MEMBERS – CAMPUS VISIT: In conjunction and immediately after the General
APSCUF and Bargaining Unit Meeting and “Meet the Candidate Forum”, there will be a campus visit by
State APSCUF President Ken Mash on Tuesday, March 27 at 3:30 pm in 250/252 Gemmell Student
Center. Come and meet Ken as he speaks about current issues. Please make an effort to attend this
meeting. Let’s give Ken a BIG CLARION WELCOME to our campus!!
LABOR RELATIONS DEPARTMENT CAMPUS VISIT: APSCUF Members – There will be a campus visit by Sara Miller
of State APSCUF’s Labor Relations Department on Friday, March 9, 2018. Please feel free to stop by the APSCUF
office, Rhea Building, between 11:30 am - 1:30 pm to meet Sara. She will be available to answer any general
contract questions. Note that we will not be taking appointments. Just stop in!
Spring 2018 General Elections will be held on Tuesday, April 17th from 9 am till 4 pm. This is in conjunction with
Faculty Senate Elections.
REMINDER TO YOUR STUDENTS– CLARION APSCUF 2018 FALL SCHOLARSHIPS: Please remind your students that
applications for the Clarion APSCUF Fall 2018 Scholarship to be awarded to six (6) Clarion University currently
enrolled students deadline is Friday, March 23rd by noon. Instructions and Applications can be downloaded
from the Clarion APSCUF webpage at www.apscuf.org/universities/clarion.
CLARION APSCUF OFFICE CLOSING: The Clarion APSCUF Office will be closed from March 10th through March
17th for Jan will be on vacation. The office will reopen on Monday, March 19th at 8 am. Also March 30 and April 2
the APSCUF office will be closed in observance of Good Friday and Easter Weekend.
SPRING FACULTY & COACHES RETIREMENT RECEPTION will be held on Wednesday, May 2 at 4 pm in Moore
Hall. Please mark your calendars!
Attention PASSHE Highmark PPO Blue Members - The participation deadline of the Healthy U wellness program is
Thursday, May 31, 2018. Don’t wait until the last minute to complete your participation requirements! When
completed, be sure to print up your “HOORAY” page for your files. If a problem arises, this is proof of participation.
ARE YOU THINKING ABOUT RETIRING?
Check out APSCUF’s “Pre-Retirement Checklist” inserted in this newsletter!
Please Note: This checklist should only be used as a guideline. All faculty contemplating
retirement should consult with their retiree handbook from either SERS or PSERS. Those
enrolled in TIAA-CREF should have their portfolios in order. In addition, faculty should
have a copy of the current Collective Bargaining Agreement between APSCUF and the State System of Higher Education.
EMERITUS STATUS PROCEDURES: Nominations for Emeritus Status should be initiated by member(s) of the appropriate
department/unit and announced at a department/unit meeting, normally within one year following retirement. The nominating
member(s) of the department/unit shall forward a one-page summary of the significant accomplishments made by the nominee to
the Dean and appropriate Vice President.
The Office of the Provost and Academic Vice President will be responsible for the implementation of this policy and its
procedures. The above procedures for departments to follow to request emeritus status for retiring faculty in departments are
taken from the Clarion University of Pennsylvania Policy on Emeritus Status. A copy of the entire policy is available from the
APSCUF office.
If you have faculty who are retiring at the end of the fall or spring semester in your department, please follow the procedures in
this policy to request emeritus.
March 2018
www.apscuf.org/universities/clarion
3
SPRING 2018 GENERAL ELECTIONS TIMELINE
MEET THE CANDIDATES FORUM will be held on Tuesday, March 27th @ 3:30 pm in
Room 250/252 Gemmell Student Center – Introduction of Candidates; Comments
and Questions.
Monday, April 2: Distribution of ballots by interdepartmental mail/US Postal Service
Monday, April 16th: Absentee Ballots are due by Noon in the APSCUF Office, Rhea Building
SPRING 2018 GENERAL ELECTIONS will be held on Tuesday, April 17th from 9 am till 4 pm in the Carlson
Library and on the Venango Campus - location t/b/d.
SPRING 2018 ELECTIONS
CANDIDATES ANNOUNCED
APSCUF OFFICES
Secretary: (1 one-year term)
Christopher McCarrick
Alternate Delegate to Legislative Assembly:
(2 two-year term)
Ellen Foster
Mark Lepore
Jennifer May
Jonathan Touster
Treasurer: (1 one-year term)
Linda Lillard
Delegate to Legislative Assembly:
(2 two-year term)
Jackie Knaust
Jennifer May
Barry Sweet
Venango Campus Representative:
(1 one-year term)
Renee Bloom
Nominations & Elections Committee:
(3 two-year term)
Doug Knepp
Chunfei Li
Amanda Lockwood
Naomi “Bell” O’Neil
Briana Steele
Jane Walsh
CONTRACTUAL COMMITTEES
Promotion Committee:
(3 three-year term)
Stephen Gendler
Helen Hampikian
Linda Lillard
Sabbatical Leave Committee:
(2 three-year term)
Leah Chambers
Helen Hampikian
David Lott
Tenure Committee:
(2 three-year term)
Vasudeva Rao Aravind
Paul Klenowski
Mark Lepore
Chunfei Li
Naomi “Bell” O’Neil
CCPS:
(2 three-year term)
Daniel Shifflet
Karl Sprenger
Please come join us for the “Meet the Candidates” forum on Tuesday,
March 27th at 3:30 pm in 250/252 Gemmell Student Center. Light
refreshments will be served.
March 2018
www.apscuf.org/universities/clarion
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March 2018
www.apscuf.org/universities/clarion
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March 2018
www.apscuf.org/universities/clarion
6
APSCUF’s Pre-retirement checklist
Getting ready to retire? Check out this checklist to get prepared! Select an anticipated date of retirement and begin to
contemplate pension options.
Check beneficiary information.
Contact your retirement counselor and/or investment counselor
o
SERS members need only to contact 1-800-633-5461 (toll-free) to be connected with their local
counseling center. The SERS website is www.sers.state.pa.us.
o
TIAA-CREF members can call 215-587-8530. TIAA-CREF’s website address is www.tiaa-cref.org.
o
PSERS members need to contact 1-888-773-7748 (toll-free). PSERS’ website address is
www.psers.state.pa.us.
Visit APSCURF's web page, www.apscuf.org/members/apscurf, for direct links to a variety of different sites
including the Social Security Administration's website which provides answers to quite a number of questions.
Visit the APSCURF page for an abundance of information on retiring and retirement!
Contact your human resources office.
Confirm “credited” years of service.
Certify any outstanding qualified service time while in active status. No payment is required to purchase the value
of this service during active service. The amount owed can be subtracted from the pension.
CBA health retirement requirements to retain lifelong health benefit coverage include one of the following:
o
25 years of “credited” service at any age
o
10 years of “credited” service at superannuation age (60 years of age) (applies to those hired prior to the
fall semester of 1997)
o
15 years of “credited” service at superannuation age (60 years of age) (applies to those hired for the fall
semester of 1997 through June 30, 2004)
o
In addition, “credited” service for those faculty members hired for the fall semester of 1997 and after will
only include Commonwealth and/or State System service.
o
Those hired on or after July 1, 2004, "20 years of “credited” service at superannuation age.
o
Please Note: Your spouse and/or eligible dependents are only entitled to your State System health benefit
package as long as you are alive. The Surviving Spouse Act provides the right to purchase your package
from the State System for your spouse only.
ALL annuitants must draw a pension check (annuitize) from their retirement plan in order to receive the health
benefit coverage. Those retiring on or after October 20, 2005, are permitted to waive enrollment under the
retirement health package IF THEY ARE COVERED UNDER ANY OTHER HEALTH INSURANCE. If the
health package is waived at retirement, retirees may enroll during an open enrollment period or upon loss of their
current coverage.
ALL annuitants must draw a pension check (annuitize) from their retirement plan as one of the criteria to be
eligible to obtain sick leave buy-out benefits. In addition, the member must be retiring at 60 years of age or more
with five years of Commonwealth/State System service or under 60 years or age with at least 25 years of
Commonwealth/State System service (may include periods in other positions other than a faculty/coach position).
PA Faculty Health and Welfare Fund benefits will terminate on the last day of the next month in which you retire.
Schedule any services for which you are eligible prior to the termination date (Dental, Vision, Hearing, etc.).
Those retiring on or after November 1, 2005, may qualify for COBRA coverage.
March 2018
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7
Coaches dental and vision plans will terminate per the Management Supplemental policy. Check with the local
Human Resource office about COBRA rights.
All eligible APSCUF members joining APSCURF has the option to enroll in APSCURF’s dental and vision plans.
Visit APSCURF's page for more information.
Employer purchased life insurance will terminate upon your retirement. If desired, you may want to check into
your conversion rights under this policy with the local human resources office.
Basic health plan coverage. Until you reach Medicare eligibility, coverage will be the PPO plan. All health plans
carry the same Medco RX drug plan. On the first day of the month in which you become Medicare eligible,
Medicare Part A and B become your primary insurance carrier. The CBA provides you with supplemental
coverage under Highmark Blue Shield's Medicare Complement Plan, an your RX coverage will be under the
Major Medical plan where you purchase your prescription and manually submit them to Highmark for
reimbursement. Those who retired on or after July 1, 2005, will have an employee health contribution assessed on
their health plan premium in retirement based on the date of retirement per the collective bargaining agreement
provisions in place at that time. Please note that if you are Medicare eligible or will be at retirement, you will need
to enroll in Medicare 3 months prior to your retirement month so that Medicare is in place when your annuitant
health plan begins. Check with your local HR office to determine the date where your active coverage will transfer
to the annuitant Medicare Complement coverage.
o
The PASSHE decided not to include the health care reform mandates under the annuitant health plan so
the benefits vary somewhat when you are transferred to the annuitant PPO plan. The main change is that
if you have dependents between the ages of 19 and 25 who are not enrolled as a full time student, the
dependent(s) will lose their eligibility under the annuitant health plan.
Contemplate purchasing a long-term nursing care policy. The benefit package provided to you does not cover
custodial, intermediate or assisted-living services. APSCURF has a recommended plan and check with your
insurance agency for comparisons. Visit APSCURF's page for more details about the retired association benefits
and other useful links.
Annuitants can only return to Commonwealth service for a period of 95 days under the Emergency Hire
guidelines.
This checklist should only be used as a guideline. All faculty members contemplating retirement should consult with their
retiree handbook from either SERS or PSERS. Those enrolled in TIAA-CREF should have their portfolios in order. In
addition, faculty should have a copy of the current Collective Bargaining Agreement between APSCUF and the State
System of Higher Education and the current State System Employees Benefit Booklet to consult as a reference in making
this decision.
March 2018
www.apscuf.org/universities/clarion
8
www.apscuf.org
March 2018
Executive Committee: President – Ray Feroz; Vice President – Joyce Overly; Secretary – Christopher McCarrick; Treasurer – Linda Lillard; Delegates –Ray Feroz,
Barry Sweet; Jonathan Touster, Annette Rosati, Lorie Taylor; Alternate Delegates – Ellen Foster, Jennifer May, Cristin Ketley, Karl Sprenger, Jacqueline Knaust;
Coaches President - Sean Esterhuizen; Coaches Vice President – Al Modrzejewski; Coaches’ Grievance Chair – Eric Laughlin; Venango Campus – Renee Bloom; CAP –
Joseph Croskey; DRC – Amy Love-Conner/Mary Buchanan; Grievance – Mary Buchanan/Mark Kilwein; Health & Welfare – Marilyn Howe; Legislative – Jonathan
Touster; Membership – Paul Klenowski; Negotiations – Ray Feroz; Nominations & Elections – YooJin Ha; Social Justice – Amy Conner-Love; Public Affairs/Relations
– Christopher McCarrick; Student Liaison – Naomi Bell O’Neil; Rules & Bylaws – Carey Childers; Mobilization Co-Chairs – Lorie Taylor & Jacqueline Knaust; State
Temporary Faculty Committee – Michael Hissam; State APSCUF Executive Council – Joyce Overly
The President’s Message…
Dear Colleagues,
Where does the time go? Next week is winter break. The semester is flowing toward
the waterfall.
I hope you have had the time to hear the presidential candidates in the last couple of weeks. All three have different
strengths and weaknesses. Please send in your feedback, which will be carefully reviewed by the search committee.
The decision of who to hire as a permanent president is substantial and critical. We will not just settle for someone.
All input is important and welcome. Clarion University’s future is at stake.
March is busy for APSCUF. Sara Miller from APSCUF Labor Relations is at the APSCUF office on Friday March 9 from
11:30 am -1:30 pm and anyone can meet with her – just drop by the APSCUF office in the Rhea Building during that
time. APSCUF President Ken Mash will join us for a membership meeting in Gemmell on March 27 at 3:30 pm and
provide “state of the union” remarks. We will also begin that meeting with “Meet the Candidates” for the upcoming
election. Thanks to all who have agreed to run for the various offices and committees, they are important and
operationalize shared governance.
Together we are strong. Thanks for making a positive difference to our colleagues and students!
In solidarity,
Ray
WORKING PEOPLE’S DAY OF ACTION @ CU
Monday, February 19, 2018
Members of Clarion’s APSCUF, APSCURF and
AFSCME reached out to students with
information about Janus vs AFSCME. This case
challenges the right of public-sector unions to
collect fair-share fees, and it alleges a violation
of the First Amendment. This is a threat to
unions nationwide and to the middle class.
APSCUF Members Jackie Knaust
and Andy Lingwall
March 2018
Thank you to those who volunteered!
www.apscuf.org/universities/clarion
AFSCME Rep Cindy King, APSCUF Members
Jamie Phillips and Natasha Dias
1
SPRING 2018 MEETINGS
(Please mark your calendars!)
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (EC)
(Rhea Conf. Room @ 3:30 pm)
Tuesday, March 20
Tuesday, April 3
Tuesday, April 17 (Spring Elections)
Tuesday, May 1
SPRING 2018 MEET & DISCUSS
Friday, March 9 – Pre-Meet & Discuss
Friday, March 23 – Meet & Discuss
Friday, April 6 – Pre-Meet & Discuss
Friday, April 20 – Meet & Discuss
DEPARTMENTAL REP COUNCIL (DRC)
(Rhea Conf. Room @ 3:30 PM)
Tuesday, April 10
NOTE: The Clarion APSCUF Office will be closed from
March 12-16 and will reopen on March 19 @ 8 am.
GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING/
SPRING ELECTION’S “MEET THE CANDIDATES FORUM”
Tuesday, March 27 – 250/252 Gemmell
LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY (LA)
April 12-14, 2018 (Toftrees, State College)
20/26 ANNUAL PAY OPTION WINDOW
Nine-month pay faculty who are interested in changing their pay options from 20 to 26 pays or vice
versa may do so during a window period from April 1, 2018 to April 30, 2019. The change will be
effective for the first paycheck of the Fall 2018 semester which is September 14, 2018. (See insert letter
from State APSCUF President Ken Mash.)
If you so choose to change your option, please complete the 20/26 Pay Option form and return it to our
Human Resources office in Carrier. Please note that this is the only opportunity to make this change
during this academic year. The 20/26 Annual Pay Option form is inserted in this newsletter or is
available in our Human Resources office.
THE CAP REBATE CAMPAIGN REMINDER: Want to help promote and protect quality public
higher education in Pennsylvania? One way to promote and protect all that APSCUF provides is by simply
completing your CAP (Committee for Action through Politics) Rebate card today. (Cards were sent out to
non-CAP members the second week in February.) When you contribute to APSCUF/CAP, you become involved
in the political process. Your CAP contributions support candidates for state office who will advocate for APSCUF's
goals and priorities.
APSCUF/CAP members have the opportunity to:
Attend fundraising events
Build relationships with policymakers
Make important endorsement decisions
Assist candidates who support APSCUF goals
Now more important ever, please designate your dues rebate to CAP and
become a CAP member today!
CAP Chair Joseph Croskey
PLEASE NOTE: CAP Cards must be returned to the LOCAL APSCUF OFFICE BY APRIL 1ST. Please DO NOT
SEND to the State APSCUF office. IF YOU DO NOT WANT TO MAKE A CHANGE, IT IS NOT NECESSARY TO
RETURN YOUR CARD.
CLARION CAP MEMBERS: If you have already donated your past rebates to CAP, “thank you”. You need not
sign another card. There is yet another way for you to support the important political work of APSCUF’s Committee
for Action through Politics by voluntarily contributing to CAP thru payroll deduction. If you wish to direct a voluntary
contribution to CAP thru payroll deduction or increase your current contribution, please complete a Voluntary Payroll
Deduction Authorization card today.
Any questions on CAP, please feel free to contact me at ext. 1980 or at jcroskey@clarion.edu.
March 2018
www.apscuf.org/universities/clarion
2
REMINDERS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
GENERAL APSCUF & BARGAINING UNIT MEETING & “Meet the Candidate Forum” is scheduled for Tuesday,
March 27th @ 3:30 pm in 250/252 Gemmell Student Center. Included in this meeting will be “Meet the
Candidates” forum for the 2018 Spring General Elections. Please “pencil in” this meeting on your meeting
calendar.
ATTENTION APSCUF MEMBERS – CAMPUS VISIT: In conjunction and immediately after the General
APSCUF and Bargaining Unit Meeting and “Meet the Candidate Forum”, there will be a campus visit by
State APSCUF President Ken Mash on Tuesday, March 27 at 3:30 pm in 250/252 Gemmell Student
Center. Come and meet Ken as he speaks about current issues. Please make an effort to attend this
meeting. Let’s give Ken a BIG CLARION WELCOME to our campus!!
LABOR RELATIONS DEPARTMENT CAMPUS VISIT: APSCUF Members – There will be a campus visit by Sara Miller
of State APSCUF’s Labor Relations Department on Friday, March 9, 2018. Please feel free to stop by the APSCUF
office, Rhea Building, between 11:30 am - 1:30 pm to meet Sara. She will be available to answer any general
contract questions. Note that we will not be taking appointments. Just stop in!
Spring 2018 General Elections will be held on Tuesday, April 17th from 9 am till 4 pm. This is in conjunction with
Faculty Senate Elections.
REMINDER TO YOUR STUDENTS– CLARION APSCUF 2018 FALL SCHOLARSHIPS: Please remind your students that
applications for the Clarion APSCUF Fall 2018 Scholarship to be awarded to six (6) Clarion University currently
enrolled students deadline is Friday, March 23rd by noon. Instructions and Applications can be downloaded
from the Clarion APSCUF webpage at www.apscuf.org/universities/clarion.
CLARION APSCUF OFFICE CLOSING: The Clarion APSCUF Office will be closed from March 10th through March
17th for Jan will be on vacation. The office will reopen on Monday, March 19th at 8 am. Also March 30 and April 2
the APSCUF office will be closed in observance of Good Friday and Easter Weekend.
SPRING FACULTY & COACHES RETIREMENT RECEPTION will be held on Wednesday, May 2 at 4 pm in Moore
Hall. Please mark your calendars!
Attention PASSHE Highmark PPO Blue Members - The participation deadline of the Healthy U wellness program is
Thursday, May 31, 2018. Don’t wait until the last minute to complete your participation requirements! When
completed, be sure to print up your “HOORAY” page for your files. If a problem arises, this is proof of participation.
ARE YOU THINKING ABOUT RETIRING?
Check out APSCUF’s “Pre-Retirement Checklist” inserted in this newsletter!
Please Note: This checklist should only be used as a guideline. All faculty contemplating
retirement should consult with their retiree handbook from either SERS or PSERS. Those
enrolled in TIAA-CREF should have their portfolios in order. In addition, faculty should
have a copy of the current Collective Bargaining Agreement between APSCUF and the State System of Higher Education.
EMERITUS STATUS PROCEDURES: Nominations for Emeritus Status should be initiated by member(s) of the appropriate
department/unit and announced at a department/unit meeting, normally within one year following retirement. The nominating
member(s) of the department/unit shall forward a one-page summary of the significant accomplishments made by the nominee to
the Dean and appropriate Vice President.
The Office of the Provost and Academic Vice President will be responsible for the implementation of this policy and its
procedures. The above procedures for departments to follow to request emeritus status for retiring faculty in departments are
taken from the Clarion University of Pennsylvania Policy on Emeritus Status. A copy of the entire policy is available from the
APSCUF office.
If you have faculty who are retiring at the end of the fall or spring semester in your department, please follow the procedures in
this policy to request emeritus.
March 2018
www.apscuf.org/universities/clarion
3
SPRING 2018 GENERAL ELECTIONS TIMELINE
MEET THE CANDIDATES FORUM will be held on Tuesday, March 27th @ 3:30 pm in
Room 250/252 Gemmell Student Center – Introduction of Candidates; Comments
and Questions.
Monday, April 2: Distribution of ballots by interdepartmental mail/US Postal Service
Monday, April 16th: Absentee Ballots are due by Noon in the APSCUF Office, Rhea Building
SPRING 2018 GENERAL ELECTIONS will be held on Tuesday, April 17th from 9 am till 4 pm in the Carlson
Library and on the Venango Campus - location t/b/d.
SPRING 2018 ELECTIONS
CANDIDATES ANNOUNCED
APSCUF OFFICES
Secretary: (1 one-year term)
Christopher McCarrick
Alternate Delegate to Legislative Assembly:
(2 two-year term)
Ellen Foster
Mark Lepore
Jennifer May
Jonathan Touster
Treasurer: (1 one-year term)
Linda Lillard
Delegate to Legislative Assembly:
(2 two-year term)
Jackie Knaust
Jennifer May
Barry Sweet
Venango Campus Representative:
(1 one-year term)
Renee Bloom
Nominations & Elections Committee:
(3 two-year term)
Doug Knepp
Chunfei Li
Amanda Lockwood
Naomi “Bell” O’Neil
Briana Steele
Jane Walsh
CONTRACTUAL COMMITTEES
Promotion Committee:
(3 three-year term)
Stephen Gendler
Helen Hampikian
Linda Lillard
Sabbatical Leave Committee:
(2 three-year term)
Leah Chambers
Helen Hampikian
David Lott
Tenure Committee:
(2 three-year term)
Vasudeva Rao Aravind
Paul Klenowski
Mark Lepore
Chunfei Li
Naomi “Bell” O’Neil
CCPS:
(2 three-year term)
Daniel Shifflet
Karl Sprenger
Please come join us for the “Meet the Candidates” forum on Tuesday,
March 27th at 3:30 pm in 250/252 Gemmell Student Center. Light
refreshments will be served.
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APSCUF’s Pre-retirement checklist
Getting ready to retire? Check out this checklist to get prepared! Select an anticipated date of retirement and begin to
contemplate pension options.
Check beneficiary information.
Contact your retirement counselor and/or investment counselor
o
SERS members need only to contact 1-800-633-5461 (toll-free) to be connected with their local
counseling center. The SERS website is www.sers.state.pa.us.
o
TIAA-CREF members can call 215-587-8530. TIAA-CREF’s website address is www.tiaa-cref.org.
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PSERS members need to contact 1-888-773-7748 (toll-free). PSERS’ website address is
www.psers.state.pa.us.
Visit APSCURF's web page, www.apscuf.org/members/apscurf, for direct links to a variety of different sites
including the Social Security Administration's website which provides answers to quite a number of questions.
Visit the APSCURF page for an abundance of information on retiring and retirement!
Contact your human resources office.
Confirm “credited” years of service.
Certify any outstanding qualified service time while in active status. No payment is required to purchase the value
of this service during active service. The amount owed can be subtracted from the pension.
CBA health retirement requirements to retain lifelong health benefit coverage include one of the following:
o
25 years of “credited” service at any age
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10 years of “credited” service at superannuation age (60 years of age) (applies to those hired prior to the
fall semester of 1997)
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15 years of “credited” service at superannuation age (60 years of age) (applies to those hired for the fall
semester of 1997 through June 30, 2004)
o
In addition, “credited” service for those faculty members hired for the fall semester of 1997 and after will
only include Commonwealth and/or State System service.
o
Those hired on or after July 1, 2004, "20 years of “credited” service at superannuation age.
o
Please Note: Your spouse and/or eligible dependents are only entitled to your State System health benefit
package as long as you are alive. The Surviving Spouse Act provides the right to purchase your package
from the State System for your spouse only.
ALL annuitants must draw a pension check (annuitize) from their retirement plan in order to receive the health
benefit coverage. Those retiring on or after October 20, 2005, are permitted to waive enrollment under the
retirement health package IF THEY ARE COVERED UNDER ANY OTHER HEALTH INSURANCE. If the
health package is waived at retirement, retirees may enroll during an open enrollment period or upon loss of their
current coverage.
ALL annuitants must draw a pension check (annuitize) from their retirement plan as one of the criteria to be
eligible to obtain sick leave buy-out benefits. In addition, the member must be retiring at 60 years of age or more
with five years of Commonwealth/State System service or under 60 years or age with at least 25 years of
Commonwealth/State System service (may include periods in other positions other than a faculty/coach position).
PA Faculty Health and Welfare Fund benefits will terminate on the last day of the next month in which you retire.
Schedule any services for which you are eligible prior to the termination date (Dental, Vision, Hearing, etc.).
Those retiring on or after November 1, 2005, may qualify for COBRA coverage.
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Coaches dental and vision plans will terminate per the Management Supplemental policy. Check with the local
Human Resource office about COBRA rights.
All eligible APSCUF members joining APSCURF has the option to enroll in APSCURF’s dental and vision plans.
Visit APSCURF's page for more information.
Employer purchased life insurance will terminate upon your retirement. If desired, you may want to check into
your conversion rights under this policy with the local human resources office.
Basic health plan coverage. Until you reach Medicare eligibility, coverage will be the PPO plan. All health plans
carry the same Medco RX drug plan. On the first day of the month in which you become Medicare eligible,
Medicare Part A and B become your primary insurance carrier. The CBA provides you with supplemental
coverage under Highmark Blue Shield's Medicare Complement Plan, an your RX coverage will be under the
Major Medical plan where you purchase your prescription and manually submit them to Highmark for
reimbursement. Those who retired on or after July 1, 2005, will have an employee health contribution assessed on
their health plan premium in retirement based on the date of retirement per the collective bargaining agreement
provisions in place at that time. Please note that if you are Medicare eligible or will be at retirement, you will need
to enroll in Medicare 3 months prior to your retirement month so that Medicare is in place when your annuitant
health plan begins. Check with your local HR office to determine the date where your active coverage will transfer
to the annuitant Medicare Complement coverage.
o
The PASSHE decided not to include the health care reform mandates under the annuitant health plan so
the benefits vary somewhat when you are transferred to the annuitant PPO plan. The main change is that
if you have dependents between the ages of 19 and 25 who are not enrolled as a full time student, the
dependent(s) will lose their eligibility under the annuitant health plan.
Contemplate purchasing a long-term nursing care policy. The benefit package provided to you does not cover
custodial, intermediate or assisted-living services. APSCURF has a recommended plan and check with your
insurance agency for comparisons. Visit APSCURF's page for more details about the retired association benefits
and other useful links.
Annuitants can only return to Commonwealth service for a period of 95 days under the Emergency Hire
guidelines.
This checklist should only be used as a guideline. All faculty members contemplating retirement should consult with their
retiree handbook from either SERS or PSERS. Those enrolled in TIAA-CREF should have their portfolios in order. In
addition, faculty should have a copy of the current Collective Bargaining Agreement between APSCUF and the State
System of Higher Education and the current State System Employees Benefit Booklet to consult as a reference in making
this decision.
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